JOB DESCRIPTION

B

Family

Family

PR5

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-07-23

August 8, 2025

Representative

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
As the High Commissioner’s senior representative in the country, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR’s effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of less than USD 6 millions.

Reporting to the Director of the Bureau, the Representative is responsible and accountable for translating organizational and Bureau-wide objectives and policies into effective programmes. Through a continuous process of situational analysis, the Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office to enable them to fulfil their accountabilities, including those outlined in the Terms of Reference of UNHCR offices as well as the Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Framework. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he is responsible for creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, relevant regional political and other fora, civil society, forcibly displaced and stateless persons and other key strategic partners and actors. He/she lends visibility to important strategic issues, promotes concerted action and the commitment of sufficient resources and expertise to address important matters of concern to UNHCR.

In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated team. S/he devolves appropriate authorities, facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practice and creates a climate of collaboration, which aims to empower and motivate colleagues to approach challenges with insight and innovation and to work toward achieving measurable and effective results. The Representative is responsible to ensure a vibrant Multi-Functional Team approach is established and employed at different stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of relevant functions within the operation. S/he has a responsibility to inform the Bureau and other relevant parties at Headquarters of key political and operational developments in a timely manner.

The comports and actions of the Representative must always reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR’s mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCR’s credibility, operations and, ultimately, the protection and well-being of forcibly displaced and stateless persons to the Office.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
Strategic Direction
– Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context.
– Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners.
– Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCR’s operations. Mobilize financial support for UNHCR corporate priorities as well for country specific projects.
Operations
– Implement a results-oriented approach, engaging a robust Multi-Functional Team, for assessing, designing, delivering and monitoring the country operation.
– Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
– Ensure the country operation’s adherence to UNHCR’s policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).
– Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with stakeholders, to apply UNHCR’s standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations.
– Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol, and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of forcibly displaced and stateless persons especially women and children.
– Ensure forcibly displaced and stateless persons, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously.
– Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding activities and to actively contribute in the establishment of the CCA/UNDAF and the consequent joint implementation activities.
– Participate in the Cluster approach, ensure UNHCR’s Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and inter-agency/UN policies.
– Ensure that risks to the operation’s objectives are regularly assessed, priority risks are identified and risk treatments for the priority risks form an integral part of the operations plans.
Resource Management
– Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives.
– Ensure effective and efficient management of resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR.
– Establish and manage local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Asset Management Board and APPC.
– Ensure local compliance with UNHCR’s human resources (HR) policies including on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics and HIV/AIDS.
– Manage a process of recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
– Where necessary, identify the most appropriate affiliate workforce and optimize its use.
– In coordination with the Global Learning Centre, ensure that the learning needs of UNHCR’s workforce in the country are identified, assessed and addressed.
– Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.
Security
– In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the inter-agency security and contingency planning processes.
– Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures
– Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other inter-agency fora.
– Decide on the country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operation’s protection strategy.
– Enforce local compliance with UNHCR’s global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
– Negotiate and sign local agreements with implementing and operational partners.
– Authorize payments as per the organization’s Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
– Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking.

– Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 – 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; Human Resources Management;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
– Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
– A high level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations.
– Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting.
– Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations.
– Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required.
– Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with clients.
Desirable
– Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*PG-Results-Based Management
*MG-Field Operations Management
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*MG-Political Decision Making
*MG-Change Management
*MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
*MG-Client Relationship Management
UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

It is essential that in addition to the competencies required from a UNHCR Representative, the candidate possesses demonstrated and proven skills in negotiation and diplomatic consultations at a high level and on the full range of areas outlined in the nature of the position to make concrete progress on the strategic direction outlined in the nature of the position. The successful candidate must also have senior leadership experience in successfully advocating at high levels of government for the development of government asylum and protection systems.

Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills are required. Strong communication skills, the ability to authoritatively articulate and act on UNHCR’s mandate in a jargon free, diplomatic and politically astute manner are essential skills for a successful tenure in the position. S/he must have communication skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including governments, development actors, donors, UN Agencies, partners, NGOs, and local communities.

Proven skills as a fund raiser and a strong understanding of the fast-changing international development environment in least developed and developing countries is necessary.

The successful candidate should have demonstrated experience in addressing protracted situations, with a focus on promoting the inclusion of refugees in national development plans and programmes, and to leverage development and private sector resources, such as those from the WB and AfDB.

The successful candidate should have the capacity to build on and strengthen existing structures, coordination and financing mechanisms where possible, and to explore new and strengthen existing short- and longer-term partnerships, and nurture engagement of development actors.

In the current and foreseeable funding environment, the right candidate for this position must have strong managerial and leadership and interpersonal skills for time sensitive and effective management of all staff, including senior professionals, and resources. Hands-on leadership and clear direction to all teams on the implementation of the strategic direction without deviation, the use of human and financial resources and physical assets is a requirement.

The Representative should function as a model of openness, teamwork and information sharing in his or her approach to leadership and in all actions taken to achieve the operational objectives of MCO Zambia.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Nature of Position:

The UNHCR Representation of the Multi-Country Office in Zambia covers two countries – Zambia and Malawi – with different structures. Zambia has a representative office, and Malawi has a national office.

As the High Commissioner’s senior representative for the two countries, the Representative provides leadership and comprehensive oversight of UNHCR’s operations in Zambia and Malawi. Reporting to the Director of the Bureau in Nairobi, the Representative is responsible and accountable for directing the achievement of the objectives of the multi-year strategies in the countries under the MCO guided by organizational strategic priorities. Advisor to the Representative and senior management of UNHCR Zambia on all issues related to socio-economic development.

While general conditions in the area of responsibility remain stable, concerns persist over rising urban crime and misinformation on mixed movements. These dynamics, compounded by economic hardship, significant service delivery gaps and identity politics, have begun to influence attitudes and practice towards refugees and asylum-seekers, as public discourse is concerned with the cost of living, social cohesion and national legal reform. Southward migration and what is perceived as misuse of the asylum system is a growing concern of Governments in the region, including Zambia and Malawi.  Regional conflicts and concerns about the civilian nature of asylum are also resulting in access to territory being tightened, delays in registration procedures and a growing RSD backlog.

Progress on refugee related legal and policy/administrative reform remains slow while refugees continue to face barriers to achieve self-reliance due to constraints on mobility and formal work in both countries.

MCO Zambia’s two inter-related strategic priorities are strengthening the protection environment through law and policy gains that will also advance long-term local solutions and self-reliance for forcibly displaced communities. Inclusion in national plans and effective access to national services systems through the lifting of obstacles forcibly displaced people face to achieving these is the overarching aim.

The Representative will set the pace for advancing catalytic actions and interventions that will promote the multifaceted engagement of international development agencies in forced displacement and enhanced support to areas in Zambia that host forcibly displaced people, which are in remote and underserved areas with little development action in settlements/communities hosting refugees.

High level advocacy for asylum system development and improvements to protection as part of the countries’ governance systems will equally be a priority for the Representative. Given the profile of arrivals, prevention, and response to sexual violence, anti-trafficking measures and child protection are and will remain central elements of the operation’s response. AAP and PSEA will constitute important areas of focus, informing programmatic and protection interventions.

Partnership development and expansion with line ministries in key sectors, including social protection, agriculture, ministry of finance and planning, donor government embassies and critically their development agencies, IFIs, UN agencies, civil society and national NGOs is central to the role.

Dedicated and continuous oversight of the operation’s compliance with financial rules and procedures, internal controls, particularly over administration, finance and supply management, and project control will be the responsibility of the Representative. The Representative provides focused, timely oversight of the internal risk assessment process, not only the final assessment, for the countries under MCO Zambia.

Operational Context: Zambia & Malawi

UNHCR Zambia has three field offices/units (one in Solwezi, one in Kawambwa, one in Kaoma) and a Representational Office in Lusaka.

Zambia is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. The country’s asylum and refugee response are governed by the Refugees Act of 2017.

The 2023 National Refugee Policy and its Implementation Plan explicitly aim to include refugees in government plans and services, transform refugee settlements into economic hubs, and enable refugees’ access and contribution to markets in refugee-hosting districts. Refugees have access to land and public services – education and health – and have some level of access to the national social protection system (e.g., social services, health insurance and some labor market interventions). The IDA World Bank-financed Zambia Refugee and Host Communities Project will support legal and policy harmonization, inclusion in a new national digital identity management system, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

In the first half of 2025 Zambia continued to face the socio-economic impacts of a prolonged process of external debt restructuring, a drought and energy crisis that began in 2023, culminating in a national disaster in 2024. Food insecurity and inflation have led to a significant increase in living costs. As a result, the government’s focus on climate resilience and social protection has sharpened with some budgetary reallocation to these areas. Politically, preparations for the August 2026 General Elections have begun, with growing public debate around governance, corruption, and national identity. Security conditions remain generally stable.

UNHCR Malawi is currently implementing its Multi-Year Strategy (2023–2026), which outlines a comprehensive approach to fostering a more conducive protection environment for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The strategy emphasizes durable solutions through collaborative efforts with the Government of Malawi and partners, focusing on legal and policy reform, transition from camps to settlements, and enhanced access to self-reliance, local integration, and complementary pathways. A strong protection focus underpins the operation’s priorities, including support for persons with specific needs, prevention and response to gender-based violence, child protection, statelessness reduction, and safeguarding access to asylum. As of January 2025, Malawi hosts over 56,000 individuals, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda, with an anticipated increase in new arrivals.

From 1st October 2025, Malawi operation will become National Office and will be part of Zambia MCO. The transition from a standalone operation to part of the Zambia Multi-Country Office (MCO) will be formalized technically through an interim strategy under Zambia MCO, which will be implemented for 2026, after which a new Multi-Year Strategy will be developed under the Zambia MCO framework. This transition will ensure continuity of protection services and strategic planning, with a focus on supporting the Government in the adoption of the Draft Migration Policy and Refugee Act and in identifying sustainable solutions such as local integration and the decongestion of Dzaleka refugee camp. The evolution of the operational context offers dynamic opportunities to contribute to policy development, strategic planning, and durable solutions for forcibly displaced and stateless populations in Malawi

Living and Working Conditions:

Lusaka is the capital of Zambia, a country heading towards middle-income country status. Zambia is an English speaking country. Shops are well stocked and all basic commodities can be found it the various supermarkets and malls around town. Imported goods tend to be available but more expensive. Health facilities, international schools, banking services are available in Lusaka. Finding accommodation meeting MORRS standard is possible, either in stand-alone house or in apartment or town house in housing complexes. Domestic flights are costly but available. The local airline, Proflight and Mahogany operates flights to larger towns in the country. Zambia is a vast country and road travel can take days, given the distances and at time the road conditions. Zambia is peaceful with minimal security threats. There have been no restrictions on travel within Zambia. There have been no curfews or restricted movements within Lusaka or elsewhere. There have been no reported cases of serious incidents involving UNHCR staff members in the past.  Like in other duty stations, staff members are advised not to be complacent and be vigilant. International staff members are expected to have security guards from a recognized/recommended security company at their residences. For more information please visit: http://www.zambiatourism.com.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Change Management, MG-Client Relationship Management, MG-Country/Regional Office Representation, MG-Field Operations Management, MG-Political Decision Making, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based Management, UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications, UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

HCR Learning Program – UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 – UNHCR

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 2 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium – Part A

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance